Data Science Course Syllabus and Subjects Guide for 2025
Updated on Feb 19, 2025 | 28 min read | 9.3k views
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Updated on Feb 19, 2025 | 28 min read | 9.3k views
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In 2024, India's data science sector experienced significant growth, with the Information Technology industry-leading at 34.5% of available data science jobs. As companies increasingly seek skilled professionals, mastering the data science syllabus ensures you stay competitive.
A well-structured data science course syllabus covers essential subjects, tools, and technologies needed to build expertise in the field.
This guide breaks down everything—from foundational concepts to advanced techniques—helping you choose the right path for career success. Let’s begin!
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Below are the foundational data science subjects that form the core of a btech data science course syllabus and other data science programs.
Proficiency in programming is the first step to mastering data science. You need to write efficient code to manipulate data, implement models, and automate workflows.
Below are the most important programming languages in a data science syllabus and their significance in data science.
Below is a structured breakdown of the topics covered under each language in a btech data science course syllabus.
Programming Language |
Topics You Will Learn |
Python | Variables, loops, functions, file handling, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow |
R | Data frames, statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, regression, ggplot2, time-series forecasting |
SQL | Joins, subqueries, indexing, stored procedures, database optimization, ETL processes |
Java | Object-oriented programming, multithreading, data structures, integration with Hadoop and Spark |
Scala | Functional programming, Spark RDDs, data pipelines, real-time analytics |
To build meaningful models and extract insights, you need to understand the mathematical foundation behind data science. The next section covers statistics and probability, two essential subjects that shape how data is analyzed and interpreted.
These subjects form the foundation for analyzing data distributions, making predictions, and validating models. Without a firm grasp of probability concepts, statistical modeling, and hypothesis testing, you cannot effectively interpret real-world data.
For example, in fraud detection, probability helps assess transaction risks, while hypothesis testing determines whether anomalies in financial data indicate fraudulent activity.
Below are the key topics covered under statistics and probability in a data science syllabus.
Below is an overview of the specific topics you will learn in statistics and probability.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Descriptive statistics | Mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation, percentiles |
Inferential statistics | Hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, p-values, significance tests |
Probability theory | Bayes' theorem, normal distribution, binomial distribution, Poisson distribution |
Regression analysis | Linear regression, logistic regression, correlation, residual analysis |
Sampling techniques | Random sampling, stratified sampling, bias reduction |
Also Read: Probability Distribution: Types of Distributions Explained
Analyzing data efficiently requires a strong grasp of how data is stored, structured, and processed. The next section introduces data structures and algorithms, which are crucial for organizing and handling large datasets.
Data structures and algorithms provide the techniques to optimize computations, enhance data retrieval speed, and design scalable data science solutions.
Below are the core topics covered in data structures and algorithms in a data science course syllabus.
Below is an overview of the key data structure topics you will learn.
Data Structure |
Topics You Will Learn |
Arrays & linked lists | Sequential storage, dynamic memory allocation, traversal |
Stacks & queues | LIFO, FIFO, real-time data processing |
Hashing techniques | Hash tables, indexing, collision resolution |
Trees & graphs | Decision trees, hierarchical data, shortest path algorithms |
Sorting & searching | Quick sort, merge sort, binary search, time complexity |
Many machine learning models rely on mathematical transformations to process data efficiently. The next section covers linear algebra, an essential subject that helps in representing and manipulating multidimensional datasets.
Linear algebra provides the tools to handle high-dimensional data, perform matrix operations, and optimize machine learning models. Many machine learning algorithms, including neural networks and dimensionality reduction techniques, rely on concepts from linear algebra.
Below are the key topics covered in linear algebra in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the linear algebra topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Vectors & matrices | Matrix operations, dot product, determinant, inverse matrices |
Eigenvalues & eigenvectors | Principal component analysis (PCA), dimensionality reduction |
Singular value decomposition | Data compression, feature selection, noise reduction |
Linear transformations | Image processing, transformations in machine learning models |
Orthogonality & projections | Least squares regression, optimization techniques |
Linear algebra is essential for building models that can efficiently process large amounts of data.
However, data science also involves continuous change, and understanding these variations requires knowledge of calculus, which plays a crucial role in optimization and gradient-based learning.
Calculus helps in understanding how models learn, adjust weights, and minimize errors. Concepts like differentiation and integration are essential in neural networks, gradient descent, and probability density functions.
Below are the key topics covered in calculus in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the calculus topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Differentiation | Derivatives, partial derivatives, chain rule, applications in ML |
Gradient descent | Cost function minimization, learning rate, convergence optimization |
Integration | Definite and indefinite integrals, applications in probability |
Multivariable calculus | Functions with multiple parameters, optimization in deep learning |
Taylor series expansion | Approximation of functions, numerical computations |
Also Read: Data Science Vs Data Analytics: Difference Between Data Science and Data Analytics
Understanding calculus allows you to optimize machine learning models effectively, making predictions more accurate and training more efficient. As machine learning is at the heart of a data science syllabus, the next section explores its core principles, algorithms, and applications.
Supervised and unsupervised learning are the two primary approaches in machine learning. Supervised learning uses labeled data for tasks like fraud detection in banking, while unsupervised learning identifies hidden patterns, such as customer segmentation in retail.
These techniques are widely applied across industries—healthcare uses predictive models for disease diagnosis, finance relies on risk assessment models, and e-commerce platforms personalize recommendations based on user behavior.
Below are the key topics covered in machine learning in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the machine learning topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Supervised learning | Regression, classification, decision trees, support vector machines |
Unsupervised learning | Clustering, k-means, hierarchical clustering, dimensionality reduction |
Reinforcement learning | Markov decision processes, Q-learning, policy gradients |
Model evaluation | Accuracy, precision, recall, confusion matrix, AUC-ROC |
Feature engineering | Feature scaling, selection, extraction, handling missing values |
Machine learning is powerful, but for complex tasks like speech recognition, image processing, and language understanding, deeper architectures are needed. The next section covers deep learning, an advanced branch of machine learning that mimics human brain functionality.
Deep learning builds on machine learning principles by using artificial neural networks to process large amounts of data. It is responsible for breakthroughs in areas such as self-driving cars, healthcare diagnostics, and personalized recommendations.
Below are the key topics covered in deep learning in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the deep learning topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Neural networks | Perceptron, activation functions, weight initialization |
CNNs | Image classification, object detection, feature extraction |
RNNs | Sequence prediction, long short-term memory (LSTM), natural language processing |
Optimization techniques | Backpropagation, gradient descent, batch normalization |
Transfer learning | Fine-tuning pre-trained models, domain adaptation |
Also Read: Neural Network Model: Brief Introduction, Glossary & Backpropagation
Deep learning enables data scientists to tackle problems that traditional machine learning cannot solve efficiently. One such application is natural language processing (NLP), which focuses on teaching machines to understand human language and extract insights from text.
Natural language processing is used in applications like chatbots, sentiment analysis, and automatic translation. A strong data science syllabus includes NLP techniques to process large volumes of text data.
Below are the key topics covered in NLP in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the NLP topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Tokenization & preprocessing | Lemmatization, stemming, stopword removal, part-of-speech tagging |
Word embeddings | Word2Vec, GloVe, fastText, contextual embeddings |
Named entity recognition | Entity tagging, dependency parsing, information extraction |
Sentiment analysis | Text classification, opinion mining, emotion detection |
Language models | BERT, GPT, sequence-to-sequence models, machine translation |
Processing structured data is one part of data science, but extracting useful patterns from raw and unstructured data requires advanced techniques. The next section focuses on data mining, a crucial skill for discovering hidden insights in large datasets.
Data mining is widely used in healthcare for disease prediction, in finance for fraud detection, and in marketing for customer segmentation. It enables businesses to extract actionable insights from vast datasets, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
Below are the key topics covered in data mining in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the data mining topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Association rule mining | Apriori algorithm, FP-Growth, frequent pattern analysis |
Clustering techniques | K-means clustering, hierarchical clustering, DBSCAN |
Anomaly detection | Outlier detection, fraud detection, novelty detection |
Feature selection | Wrapper methods, filter methods, dimensionality reduction |
Web scraping & text mining | Scrapy, BeautifulSoup, extracting data from text and websites |
Data mining helps uncover hidden trends, but handling extremely large datasets requires specialized technologies. The next section introduces big data technologies, which allow data scientists to process, store, and analyze massive volumes of data efficiently.
Big data technologies enable the storage, processing, and analysis of datasets that are too large for traditional databases. Many industries like healthcare use them for patient analytics, finance for fraud detection, and e-commerce for personalized recommendations.
Below are the key topics covered in big data technologies in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the big data technologies topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Hadoop ecosystem | HDFS, MapReduce, YARN, data storage techniques |
Apache Spark | RDDs, DataFrames, Spark SQL, machine learning pipelines |
NoSQL databases | MongoDB, Cassandra, HBase, document-based storage |
Streaming data processing | Apache Kafka, Flink, real-time analytics |
Scalability & distributed computing | Parallel processing, cluster computing, cloud integration |
Big data technologies make it possible to process massive datasets, but efficiently managing these datasets in a scalable manner requires cloud computing. The next section focuses on cloud computing in data science.
Cloud computing provides scalable infrastructure for data storage, processing, and machine learning. Organizations use cloud platforms to run large-scale data analysis without the need for on-premise hardware.
Below are the key topics covered in cloud computing in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the cloud computing topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Cloud service models | SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, deployment strategies |
Data storage solutions | Amazon S3, Google BigQuery, Azure Data Lake |
Cloud-based ML | AWS SageMaker, Google Vertex AI, AI model deployment |
Serverless computing | AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, event-driven architecture |
Security & compliance | Data encryption, GDPR Compliance, cloud security best practices |
Cloud computing simplifies data science workflows, but presenting findings effectively is just as important as analysis. The next section covers data visualization, a key skill that helps data scientists communicate insights clearly through interactive charts and dashboards.
Data visualization is an essential skill in data science that helps transform raw data into meaningful insights. It allows data scientists to communicate patterns, trends, and relationships effectively using visual elements like charts, graphs, and dashboards.
Below are the key topics covered in data visualization in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the data visualization topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Fundamentals of visualization | Bar charts, line graphs, scatter plots, heatmaps |
Matplotlib & Seaborn | Customizing plots, multi-panel figures, color palettes |
Tableau & Power BI | Dashboard creation, data filtering, real-time analytics |
Geospatial visualization | Mapping data, Choropleth maps, interactive visualizations |
Storytelling with data | Best practices, user engagement, effective presentation |
Visualizing data allows for better decision-making, but handling large-scale structured and unstructured data requires efficient data storage techniques. The next section covers data warehousing, a crucial component of managing and analyzing historical data efficiently.
Data warehousing enables organizations to store and manage large volumes of structured data for analytical processing. It provides a centralized system where data from multiple sources is consolidated and optimized for business intelligence and decision-making.
Below are the key topics covered in data warehousing in a data science syllabus.
Below is a structured breakdown of the data warehousing topics you will learn in a btech data science course syllabus.
Concept |
Topics You Will Learn |
Data warehouse architecture | OLAP, OLTP, data lakes, integration layers |
ETL processes | Data extraction, transformation, loading automation |
Dimensional modeling | Star schema, snowflake schema, fact and dimension tables |
Cloud data warehouses | Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, Snowflake |
Query optimization | Indexing, partitioning, query performance tuning |
Data warehousing ensures efficient data management, but the structure of a data science syllabus varies across different programs. The next section explores how different academic courses and certifications approach data science education, shaping career paths for aspiring professionals.
Different academic programs cover data science subjects with varying depth and focus. While some programs emphasize foundational theories, others provide hands-on training in real-world applications.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the btech data science course syllabus, structured semester-wise to give you a clear understanding of the subjects covered each year.
A btech data science course syllabus provides a strong foundation in programming, mathematics, and data handling, followed by advanced topics like machine learning and big data technologies. This program prepares students for careers in artificial intelligence, business analytics, and data-driven research.
Below are the key subjects covered in each year of a btech data science course syllabus.
Year 1: Focuses on core programming, mathematical foundations, and basic computing concepts.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 1 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
Year 2: Introduces data handling techniques, machine learning fundamentals, and advanced mathematical concepts.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 3 |
|
Semester 4 |
|
Year 3: Covers advanced topics in machine learning, deep learning, and big data technologies.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 5 |
|
Semester 6 |
|
Year 4: Focuses on specialized applications, research, and project-based learning.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 7 |
|
Semester 8 |
|
Suppose you are looking for a data science syllabus with a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. In that case, the next section explores the BSc data science syllabus, which focuses more on statistical and analytical aspects.
The BSc Data Science program spans three years, covering core programming, mathematics, machine learning, and data visualization. The curriculum builds strong theoretical and practical knowledge in data science subjects, preparing students for roles in analytics, AI, and business intelligence.
Below is the structured breakdown of the BSc Data Science course syllabus, arranged semester-wise.
Year 1: Focuses on fundamental mathematics, programming, and data handling techniques.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 1 |
|
Semester 2 |
|
Year 2: Introduces advanced computing concepts, optimization techniques, and machine learning foundations.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 3 |
|
Semester 4 |
|
Year 3: Covers artificial intelligence, big data, and real-world applications through projects.
Semester |
Subjects Covered |
Semester 5 |
|
Semester 6 |
|
Elective Subjects: Students can select electives based on their area of interest. Here’s the list:
Advancing from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, the next section explores the MSc Data Science syllabus, which focuses on advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and specialized research areas.
The MSc Data Science program is structured across three trimesters, covering essential topics such as machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, and business intelligence.
This curriculum is designed to build expertise in both theoretical concepts and practical applications. It prepares students for careers in artificial intelligence, data engineering, and analytics. Below is the structured breakdown of the MSc Data Science course syllabus.
Trimester I: Establishes the mathematical foundation and introduces essential programming tools.
Subjects Covered |
Probability and Statistics |
Linear Algebra and Calculus |
Python Programming for Data Science |
Database Management Systems |
Data Visualization with Excel, Power BI, and Tableau |
Trimester II: Focuses on machine learning fundamentals, deep learning, and large-scale data handling.
Subjects Covered |
Classical Machine Learning Models |
Big Data Analytics |
Deep Learning and Neural Networks |
Structured and Unstructured Data Management |
Data Wrangling Techniques |
Trimester III: Covers specialized machine learning techniques, research methodologies, and real-world applications.
Subjects Covered |
Advanced Machine Learning and AI |
Large-Scale Data Processing |
Time Series Analysis |
Business Intelligence and Decision-Making |
Ethical AI and Data Governance |
Business Domain-Based Capstone Project |
For those looking for a globally recognized postgraduate program with an in-depth focus on applied data science, the next section covers the MS in Data Science syllabus, which integrates advanced analytics, research methodologies, and real-world case studies.
The MS in Data Science program is structured to provide an extensive understanding of data analytics, artificial intelligence, big data, and applied research. The curriculum balances foundational learning with advanced methodologies, equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
Below are the core topics covered in the MS in Data Science course syllabus.
As technology advances, specialized engineering programs in data science are gaining prominence. The next section explores the MTech Data Science syllabus, designed for students aiming for computational and algorithmic expertise in the field.
The MTech Data Science course syllabus is designed to provide students with a structured learning path, covering both theoretical foundations and advanced practical applications. The coursework is divided into multiple semesters, focusing on key data science subjects like machine learning, big data analytics, and cloud computing.
Below is the semester-wise breakdown of the data science course syllabus.
The first year introduces students to foundational concepts in data science subjects.
Semester I |
Semester II |
Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms | Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence |
Mathematical Foundations for Data Science | Big Data Analytics |
Data Mining Techniques | Cloud Computing for Data Science |
Deep Learning and Neural Networks | Data Visualization and Reporting |
Elective I (Choose from specialized topics) | Elective II (Choose from advanced topics) |
The second year focuses on advanced concepts, research methodologies, and industry-driven applications.
Semester III |
Semester IV |
Research Methodologies in Data Science | Thesis and Research Project |
Advanced Machine Learning Models | Data Science for Decision Making |
Big Data Engineering | Capstone Project in AI & Data Science |
Elective III (Choose from advanced analytics topics) | Industry Internship / Research Paper Submission |
The next section delves into the key tools and technologies that form an essential part of data science education.
Below are the key tools covered in the data science course syllabus, categorized based on their usage in data science.
Programming tools form the backbone of data science, enabling data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning model development. They provide the necessary functionality for working with structured and unstructured data efficiently.
Below are the major programming tools included in a data science course syllabus.
Programming tools provide the foundation for working with data, but effective decision-making requires clear and insightful visualization. The next section explores visualization tools that transform raw data into meaningful insights.
Data visualization tools help professionals represent complex data in an understandable format. They allow users to create dashboards, reports, and interactive charts that simplify decision-making processes.
Below are the key visualization tools covered in a data science syllabus.
Visualization tools enhance the ability to interpret data, but handling massive datasets requires specialized big data tools. The next section covers technologies like Hadoop and Spark, which are essential for large-scale data processing.
Big data tools enable professionals to store, manage, and process vast amounts of data efficiently. These technologies are widely used in industries dealing with high-volume, high-velocity data.
Below are the essential big data tools covered in a btech data science course syllabus.
Also Read: Big Data and Hadoop Difference: Key Roles, Benefits, and How They Work Together
Big data tools handle large-scale datasets, but training machine learning and deep learning models requires specialized frameworks. The next section introduces machine learning and deep learning frameworks that power AI-driven applications.
Machine learning and deep learning frameworks provide the infrastructure for developing AI-based models. These frameworks accelerate model training and allow data scientists to build intelligent systems efficiently.
Below are the widely used ML and DL frameworks covered in a data science course syllabus.
Also Read: Top 15 Deep Learning Frameworks You Need to Know in 2025
Machine learning and deep learning frameworks power AI applications, but modern data science workflows often rely on cloud computing for scalability and efficiency. The next section explores cloud platforms that support data science projects.
Cloud platforms provide scalable computing resources for data storage, processing, and machine learning model deployment. They enable data scientists to work with large datasets without requiring extensive on-premise infrastructure.
Below are the key cloud platforms covered in a btech data science course syllabus.
Also Read: AWS Vs Azure: Which Cloud Computing Platform is Right For You?
Cloud platforms support seamless deployment of machine learning models and large-scale data processing. To gain a holistic understanding of the data science syllabus, the next section explores an all-around curriculum offered by upGrad. It covers industry-relevant technologies and career-focused training.
upGrad offers a comprehensive range of data science courses, each designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. These programs cater to various learning needs, from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise in data science subjects.
Below is a table summarizing upGrad's data science courses and certifications:
Program |
Duration |
Key Highlights |
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | 12 months | - Comprehensive curriculum covering AI and data science - Collaboration with Jindal Global University - Emphasis on research and practical applications |
Executive PG Programme in Data Science | 12 months | - In-depth focus on data analysis and machine learning - Partnership with IIIT Bangalore - Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement |
Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science | 8 months | - Focus on foundational data science concepts - Collaboration with IIIT Bangalore - Suitable for beginners aiming to enter the data science field |
Master of Science in Data Science | 18 months | - In-depth focus on data analysis and machine learning - Partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and IIIT Bangalore - Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement |
Choosing the right data science course is crucial for your career development. The next section provides guidance on selecting the best program to meet your goals and aspirations.
upGrad’s Exclusive Data Science Webinar for you –
Watch our Webinar on How to Build Digital & Data Mindset?
With numerous programs available, making an informed choice requires careful evaluation. Below are the key factors to consider while choosing a data science course.
Choosing the right data science course requires assessing multiple factors to ensure it meets your learning objectives. The next section explores key considerations, including curriculum, faculty expertise, and placement opportunities.
A well-designed data science syllabus should provide a balance between theory and hands-on learning. Apart from course content, faculty experience and placement opportunities play a crucial role in determining the course's effectiveness.
Below are the most important factors to assess before enrolling in a data science course.
Also Read: Career in Data Science: Jobs, Salary, and Skills Required
Apart from faculty and curriculum, the mode of learning—online or offline—plays a significant role in shaping your learning experience. The next section compares the benefits and limitations of online and offline courses.
The choice between online and offline courses depends on factors like flexibility, interaction, and accessibility. Both formats have advantages and challenges that students should consider before enrolling in a data science course.
Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of online and offline learning formats.
Selecting between online and offline courses depends on your career goals, availability, and learning style. The next section explores how upGrad offers structured learning programs that cater to both online and hybrid learning models.
upGrad is a leading online learning platform with over 10 million learners and 200+ courses, designed to help you build expertise in data science subjects. Whether you are a beginner looking to enter the field or a professional aiming to upskill, you will find industry-relevant courses tailored to your learning goals.
Below are some of the best data science courses on upGrad that align with a M.Tech and B.Tech data science course syllabus and advanced programs:
If you need guidance on which course best fits your goals, you can take advantage of upGrad’s free one-on-one career counseling session. Get personalized advice on industry trends, job opportunities, and skill development to make informed career decisions.
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